A diverse collection of art supplies in metallic buckets on a wooden table.

Gifts for arty kids

I love making plans and being organised but everyday life often gets in the way which means sometimes things are haphazard. I have a feeling this is fairly common with busy families.

I miss the wish list my son would write before Christmas and I miss shopping for toys, I LOVE toys! Now I listen to the young artists that visit the art room. I love listening to what they are hopeful for. I have made a list of the materials they like to use, or the items they return to over and over again in the art room along with my own experience or observations.

I always encourage shopping local but some items are just not available which means looking online. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Art Explorers Oban earns from qualifying purchases. This small commission goes towards supplying the art room with new materials or equipment if you purchase through the links but it is at no extra cost to you.

If you need a gift for a young creative, here is a list of things I have learned over the years that are always appreciated. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. In fact, presenting a storage box filled with a bundle of basics is a great way to encourage everyday creativity or provide activity to reduce screen time. The storage box keeps things together and a place for stuff to live.

  1. Sketchbook with 100 gsm weight (or higher) paper – LINK HERE
  2. “Bumblebee” pencils Link
  3. learn to draw books Link to current favourite
  4. crayola crayons Link to the best box
  5. paints Link to my all time favourite
  1. Makedo cardboard engineering tools Link to the best little helpful tool
  2. card board engineering book Link to a great book of ideas
  3. masking tape – I always buy on special at Lidl, Aldi or Screwfix
  4. paper fasteners
  5. pipe cleaners
  6. Fashion stencil plates
  1. fabric scissors
  2. flexible tape measure
  3. hand sewing needles
  4. wonder clips
  5. pins
  6. tailors chalk for tracing patterns
  7. embroidery scissors for snipping thread
  8. seam ripper
  9. sewing box
  10. Janome 2200xt sewing machine Link
  11. Sewing machine carrying bag